What will happen at my first appointment?
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Intake: At your first appointment, you will be asked to fill out an intake form. In addition to your contact information, you will be asked information about your health history, as well as your current complaints and goals. You will also be asked to sign a consent for care, ensuring that you understand the limitations of the Rolfing® process and the payment policies of the Olympia Rolfing Center.
If you would prefer to have this paperwork completed before you arrive, you can download the PDF, print it, fill it out, and bring it to your appointment. |
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Discussion: Before the hands-on portion of every appointment, your Rolfer™ will take time to listen to how you are feeling and answer any questions you may have. At your first appointment, extra time will be allowed to discuss your health history, your goals, and the Rolfing process.
Changing: Your Rolfer will step out of the room to let you get into your Rolfing attire, which for most people, is underwear (for women, this includes a bra). If you are not comfortable with your Rolfer seeing you in your underwear, wear whatever makes you comfortable. Some people wear shorts and tank tops, or a two piece bathing suit.
Body reading: Your Rolfer will look at you from the front, back, and sides while you are standing and walking. Sometimes, you will be asked to do simple movements such as raising your arms, bending your knees, turning your head, or taking a deep breath. Feel free to ask your Rolfer what patterns she sees, but please note that this discussion will make the body reading take longer.
Table work: Most of the hands-on part of a Rolfing session takes place with you lying on a massage table. Unlike massage, no oils or creams will be used. The type of contact is varied based on the needs of the client, but it is typically slow and steady, rather than the stroking or needing motions of Swedish massage. Sometimes, you will be asked to do small movements, such as reaching out through your fingers, or your attention will be guided to certain areas of your body.
Integration movement: After the table work, and sometimes in the middle of a session, you may be asked to make use of the changes in your body by trying out some specific movements while seated, standing, or walking. Your Rolfer may or may not use hands-on guidance or manipulation of the fascia to help these movements create new habits in your body. Sometimes, one of these movements will be suggested as 'homework' for you to practice on your own. Don't worry, this is not like physical therapy homework, where you would be asked to do a bunch of exercises. Rolfing homework often takes less than a minute and involves more self-awareness than strength.
Closure: At the end of your session, your Rolfer will step out of the room again so that you can get dressed in private. She will come back in again to answer any remaining questions, accept payment, and schedule your next appointment if needed.
Changing: Your Rolfer will step out of the room to let you get into your Rolfing attire, which for most people, is underwear (for women, this includes a bra). If you are not comfortable with your Rolfer seeing you in your underwear, wear whatever makes you comfortable. Some people wear shorts and tank tops, or a two piece bathing suit.
Body reading: Your Rolfer will look at you from the front, back, and sides while you are standing and walking. Sometimes, you will be asked to do simple movements such as raising your arms, bending your knees, turning your head, or taking a deep breath. Feel free to ask your Rolfer what patterns she sees, but please note that this discussion will make the body reading take longer.
Table work: Most of the hands-on part of a Rolfing session takes place with you lying on a massage table. Unlike massage, no oils or creams will be used. The type of contact is varied based on the needs of the client, but it is typically slow and steady, rather than the stroking or needing motions of Swedish massage. Sometimes, you will be asked to do small movements, such as reaching out through your fingers, or your attention will be guided to certain areas of your body.
Integration movement: After the table work, and sometimes in the middle of a session, you may be asked to make use of the changes in your body by trying out some specific movements while seated, standing, or walking. Your Rolfer may or may not use hands-on guidance or manipulation of the fascia to help these movements create new habits in your body. Sometimes, one of these movements will be suggested as 'homework' for you to practice on your own. Don't worry, this is not like physical therapy homework, where you would be asked to do a bunch of exercises. Rolfing homework often takes less than a minute and involves more self-awareness than strength.
Closure: At the end of your session, your Rolfer will step out of the room again so that you can get dressed in private. She will come back in again to answer any remaining questions, accept payment, and schedule your next appointment if needed.
How will I feel when I leave?
Each person's Rolfing experience is unique, but most people leave feeling more relaxed and effortlessly-upright. Those who come to an appointment in pain often feel noticeable relief. It is also common to feel lighter, taller, more loose and mobile, balanced and grounded. Many people leave feeling energized, but some feel spacey and tired as their habitual tension begins to let go.